High protein mac and cheese is a delicious comfort food. It can be high in protein, calories, and good nutrition too.
For those needing some extra calories to either stop weight loss or promote weight gain, this high protein mac and cheese is a great option.
The broccoli in this recipe adds some extra color, fiber, and boost of nutrients. The broccoli can be left out for more picky eaters.
Type of Pasta
This particular recipe calls for whole wheat fusilli pasta. This product comes in a variety of pasta types from classic elbows to rotini to penne to farfalle pasta.
Barilla Protein Plus pasta is another good pasta option. It is high in fiber, protein, and other nutrients like omega-3 fats. This pasta is a good option for those with diabetes or those trying to eat fewer simple carbohydrates.
There are other brands and types of pasta you can select. Just be sure to read the nutrition facts label for calorie and protein count on individual ingredients.
Type of Cheese
This recipe calls for cheddar cheese but note that you can use whichever type of cheese you prefer. Adding combinations of cheese is also a good way to add variety.
Types of cheese to consider include:
- Cheddar cheese
- Sharp cheddar
- Gouda cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Monterey jack cheese
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Provolone cheese
When purchasing cheeses, look for regular whole fat options. Low fat or fat free cheeses will be lower in calories.
Budget Friendly Foods
If you are on a budget and trying to find cheap foods, this recipe is a great high calorie option!
Many of the ingredients included in this recipe (ex. broccoli, pasta, and milk) are found on the 41 Cheap Foods list from Stack Your Stacks.
Be sure to check out their Dollar Tree Meal Plan for even more budget-friendly ideas!
How to Make Mac and Cheese
Making mac and cheese from scratch does take a bit of effort (compared to premade boxed mac and cheese)! But homemade mac and cheese sure is tasty.
To make high protein mac and cheese you first boil your noodles. Then in a separate pot you will make your cheese sauce. Then you simply combine the noodles and sauce and any extra add-ins.
A way to use fewer pots and pans is to cook your mac and cheese in an Instant Pot.
High Protein Mac and Cheese Add ins
There are many delicious foods you can add in to your high protein mac and cheese.
- Chicken breast
- Shredded pork
- Beef strips
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Peas
- Extra cheese
- Cheesy croutons
There is no limit to the options of foods you can add in. It really all depends on your personal preference.
Adding meat products to your mac and cheese will add even more protein. This particular recipe is high protein vegetarian recipe.
High Protein Mac and Cheese
Now let’s get cooking! This recipe is high in protein from the special pasta. It is high in calories from the whole milk and cheeses. And it is tasty because of the amazing combo of ingredients!
Enjoy the recipe and be sure to let us know what you think.
High Protein Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 14.5 ounces whole wheat fusilli pasta
- 4 cups Frozen broccoli florets
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to box directions and add 1 tsp salt to the water.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt together milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, salt and pepper. Stir frequently.
- Cook frozen broccoli according to directions on the bag.
- Drain pasta when done and combine with cheese sauce and broccoli.
Hi! Do i add the cheddar at the end? You did not write in the instructions 🙂
Oh my goodness!! Good catch. The cheese goes in with step 2 when making the cheese sauce. I’ve updated the recipe. Thanks for letting me know!
How long do you let the cheese sauce melt for ?
Until it’s completely smooth.
Can this be frozen and reheated later?
Hi Rhene!
I believe it can be frozen and reheated! I would add a little milk to it when reheating to keep the pasta from drying out. Hope that helps! 🙂